Destinations
Planning, Travel, Fast!
New Destination Right Ad Panel
Download Itinerary Here
Get a Detailed Itinerary for this Destination
Our detailed, destination-specific, group travel itineraries are a great place to start...planning travel fast!
Download Itinerary Here
Are you not a Member yet?
Get free access to exclusive offers, travel information and professional planning tools.
Selling Sizzle
Things to do in Rome
- Rome is a big city that has something for everyone! Lots of tours and activities available for the first-time visitor to repeat visitors from museums to sightseeing!
- Outstanding food and drink options available throughout the city!
- Very inviting culture; people are friendly and welcoming!
- Strongly recommend dine-around evenings for group dining experiences.
- Wine tastings are a must!
- Rome is a great destination to pair with Venice or Florence for a split program!
The Real Deal
- Known as the Eternal City, Romans celebrate the founding of the city on April 21 each year through parades, fireworks and gladiator shows.
- Be mindful of pickpockets! Keep valuables close at hand.
- The Vatican became an independent state in 1929, and is the world’s second smallest Sovereign state.
- The Italians created opera.
- More than 40% of Italy's labor force is unionized.
- Italy is expensive, but well-worth a visit!
OVERVIEW
Things to do in Rome
Throughout time, Italy’s rich culture and history has been a teacher of nations. A country that elicits joy and intrigue, Italy invites the heart to surrender to its unbelievable treasures of art, culture and landscape. A country that quickens the spirit with the reverberations of its history, Italy seduces the senses with its fabulous food, wonderful wine and the intoxicating warmth of the Mediterranean sunshine and unique Italian design.
Italy ranks as one of the favorite group travel destinations for Americans and inevitably appears at nearly the top of the list of “places Americans want to see.” This is an ancient land filled with history and landmarks like no others on earth. From the stunning beauty of the Amalfi coast with its jagged cliff and to the ancient and modern city of Rome to the canals of Venice, Italy has something that appeals to every taste.
The Eternal City is waiting to reveal its ancient secrets and hidden mysteries to those who dare to explore its antiquities. Group travel programs will bring the past to life as they walk the pathways of the Caesars. Imagine the clatter of chariots rattling through the narrow streets and visualize the Roman Legions dressed in golden armor passing by. Explore Venice Square with a stop in front of the monument of Vittorio Emanuele. Gazing at the Roman Forum it is possible to sense the beating heart of ancient political, judicial and commercial power alive among the arches, solitary columns and carved rubble.
Include the Coliseum, where the activities that took place in this imposing structure will come to life. The quest into history continues through Caracalla bath and Circus Maximus, home of the ancient Roman chariot races which tested the strength and fearlessness of man, beast and vehicle in awesome spectacles designed to entertain the citizens of Rome.
Zip Set Snap Community Photos
CURRENT WEATHER
Roma / Ciampino
- Clear sky
- Temperature: 28 °C
- Wind: Southwest, 3.7 km/h
- Pressure: 1015 hPa
- Rel. Humidity: 55 %
- Visibility: 10 km
City 101
- The Euro is the official currency of Italy.
- Central European Time, Europe, UTC + 1 hour
- The official language of Italy is Italian.
- 127/220V 50 Hz
Best Time To Travel
Best Travel Time
- April – June
- July – September
- October – December
Tip
- Value seasons: Spring and Fall
- October is considered by many to be the top month to visit Rome!
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Culture & Etiquette
- Cash is king! Always carrry some Euros with you wherever you go!
- Although it high recommended to be comfortable and wear casual clothes, be aware that the Vatican has a strict strict dress code: No shorts, tank tops and sexy dresses for women. Gentlemen should wear clothing that is clean and not tattered.
Dining Customs
- Lunch generally will not start before 1:00 PM.
- Dnner not generally not available before 8:00 PM.
- Many restaurants will be closed between lunch and dinner.
- Bread is never served with pasta.
- Either mineral water or wine is served with lunch and dinner. Don't ask for soda or milk; it is frowned upon.
Holiday Information
Italy recognized several religious holidays as part of its public holiday calendar. For the complete list, please click here.
Getting Around
Rome is a very walkable city. Several modes of transportation are easily acceptable.
- Taxis are while and have an ensigna on the door.
- Two underground metro systems are available.
- The Public Transit Bus Service is quite convenient and economical.
- Car rentals are easy in Rome. An international driver's licience is necessary.
Taxes
- Be sure to look for "Euro Free Tax" signs to save anywhere between 12% and 35 % VAT (on luxury goods). The shop will deduct the VAT and handle the appropriate paperwork for you.
Tipping
- Tipping is left up to the giver.
- As a rule of thumb, taxi drivers usually expect a 10% tip. Meanwhile, many restaurants (as indicated on the menu) often include service charges along with the price of the meal.
What To Pack
- Pack light! A good pair of walking shoes is crucial for those cobblestone streets!
- Bring an umbrella and rain slicker when traveling in spring or fall.
Comments
I think that Italy is one of the countries with the most impressive history and well preserved monuments, no wonder it's the favorite destination for many tourists. This year I hope to visit Venice, but only after traveling to London which is my lifelong dream.
Aside from the fact that Rome is one of the most popular honeymoon locations, this city is very special for its history and culture is very rich. The Colosseum and other historical sites reflect the grandeur that’s Rome. We found ourselves a great place to hang out, chat and just let the hours pass at the Trevi Fountain. The place is always filled with people, different tourists from around the world! Watch out for those talking statues also as you stroll along the streets of Rome! Finally, when you visit Rome, make sure you grab a bite of their delectable cuisine!
Someone said this on twitter but I'll repeat: Walking the streets of Rome is like walking through a huge open-air museum. Everything is a must-see and my one suggestion would be: WALK! I stayed in an awesome bed and breakfast and there just so happened to be a metro workers strike so we were "forced" to walk everywhere but that was a blessing in disguise. There were so many things we just stumbled upon and I'm glad we ended up walking because things weren't as far apart as they seemed on the map (except for the Vatican). The Trevi Fountain, the Spanish steps, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, all of the palazzos and gelato are all a must!
A visit to Vatican City is a must! Plan to spend at least a day, if not two (to savor the museums). For first-timers, spring for a licensed guide. Well worth the small expense and you get so much more out of the visit. So many stories to share!
In the foothills of Rome approximately 40 minutes from the center is the Santa Benedetta Winery. The winery offers an authenitc look into Frascati and olive oil production in the area. This is a terrific venue for a private wine and olive oil tasting and dinner or lunch. The venue is beautiful, the food fantastic and abundant and the wines are amongst the best in the region.
The winery offers a beautiful outdoor terrace which can be used for the tasting followed by dinner in a renovated farmhouse. The space can hold approx. 110 people.
This is truly an authentic Italain experience!
There are so many great things to see and do in Rome, that you cannot acomplish it all in one trip (unless it's a very long trip, of course). Don't try...focus on sites at the top of your list and relax and enjoy them all. Then, go back again and again. Rome never runs out of amazing experiences!
You have got to try Fettuccini Alfredo at the famous restaurant. To die for...
Rachel,
I love Italy for shopping. Rome is the best, with Florence a close second. Exploring the cobbled streets; people watching; shopping in wonderful boutiques; and seeing the Spanish Steps... it's a Roman Holiday!
Florence also -- great shopping; wonderful leathers; the market is also a dream.